simply timeless

Breathing comes in pairs, except for twice, one begins and one's goodbye....... ~The Fray 27 years ago, I took my first breath. I was welcomed in to this world by two loving, generous and kind parents, and an extended family whose love would know no bound. 27 years later, I have to say goodbye to my Opa, a man whose life could have been taken many times during the war. And yet he lived to tell about it, God had a plan for his life.  He and my Oma embarked on a journey that took great courage and strength. Their love, hard work , and dedication established a family that has extended out in numbers that I imagine they never dreamed. God knew my name, the hairs on my head, long before I would enter the picture. How blessed I am to have be chosen to be apart of this family. Though I could imagine a million other ways to celebrate my birthday, one thing remains constant. I will be with my family on my birthday, as I have always done since the beginning. The circu...

                                                 Words Composed of letters in various forms, can be some of the most powerful weapons, as well as the most lovely encouragement, that we need to hear, to carry on. Speaking English, you would think that one would find it quite simple to go from one English speaking country to the next. Surprisingly there are many words and expressions that one should really know and understand before entering another country or risk appearing a fool in certain situations. I have to say that people from England, when they speak, make everything sound lovely. They use terms that sound less improper and not so gruff. I think the overall feeling I had was that they sound very well educated and socialized.... and I, well not so much the case....haha Here is a list of words and expression commonly used amoung those in E...

Missing England  Funny, how something I only viewed through the camera lenses of film makers, bringing to life stories I found irresistible and breathtakingly beautiful, has gone from a magical place far away, that was only to be dreamed about, to a place I have seen. A place that has gone from unfamiliar, to familiar. There is something simply lovely about it. I hope some day to set my feet back upon it's beautiful earth and explore other quaint villages and country sites.  There is something magical indeed about England, and I am glad it holds a piece of my heart.

In three months time I have experienced and seen some of the most amazing sites. Places I had only dreamed and hoped to see, never in my wildest dreams did I believe I would have had this opportunity. Thank you to all who made it possible for me to come to England. And thank you to those who have warmly embraced me here and helped make me feel at home. I will never forget your kindness. England will forever have a dear place in my heart. There is still so much more to see, so I definitely will be back! (and hopefully won't be sick at all the next time!) Time to get back to reality and work. Very excited to see my family and friends!! Here are some of the pictures from Thursday in the Netherlands, and then a few from our drive home  we stopped in Brogue . And Saturday I had the great privileged of going into London to spend the day with Christy. I had such a great time walking around parts I had  yet to see and getting to talk and get to know...

There were a few places that A&C wanted to see. Sadly most of our day turned out not as planned as we missed when things started, or things were closed. So we spend most of the day in the car. I managed a few shots as we were driving. Not the greatest but at least it is an idea of what it looks like here. I just enjoyed taking it all in and reflecting on what life would have been like when my grandparents lived here.    We only made it into the city limits of Amsterdam as we needed to turn around for the next destination, but at least I can say I have been there!

To end my time in the UK I have been given the gift of spending a week in the Netherlands.  You know how you dream & plan in your teens of all the things you are going to see in your life, when you are older....and the people you plan to see them with feel as though they are a definite thing. Funny how things don't turn out even close to how you planned them. Life seems to throw you into a rat race and you aren't even sure that you signed up for it, it just sort of happens. In an naive way a part of me still hopes that some of those dreams come true to travel the world (and when I say world I mean Europe and Canada, haha) with the ones I always pictured myself experiencing it with. But for now, I will take what I can get, with a heart full of joy and gratitude, for this adventure I have been blessed to have. So here I am. In the Netherlands. A place that holds my heritage. Where a young couple met, feel in love, married and embarked on a brave journey to...

It's bothersome when many thoughts are heavy and are on my mind all at the same time. Ideas, challenges, conversation, that I need to verbalize in order to process; yet I find myself feeling overwhelmed and rather restless to sort it all out. My mind is attempting to process all sorts of thoughts and conversations had with people, that I find intriguing and challenging.  I need to learn the art of disciplining myself to sit and focus on what I really want to do, and not let being overwhelmed stop me.  Stay tuned, for what I hope to be, posts that get you thinking too....